French drain installation cost per foot
French drain installation cost averages $10 to $35 per linear foot for a shallow exterior drain, according to HomeGuide. Interior basement French drains cost $40 to $85 per foot.
| Shallow exterior French drain, per foot (HomeGuide) | $10–$35 |
| Deep exterior perimeter drain / weeping tile, per foot (HomeGuide) | $30–$90 |
| Interior basement French drain, per foot (HomeGuide) | $40–$85 |
| Interior basement system, total (HomeGuide) | $4,000–$17,000 |
| Crawl space French drain (HomeGuide) | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Adding a sump pump to a French drain (HomeGuide) | $600–$2,500 |
Yard drain vs. basement drain
A shallow yard French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that carries surface and shallow groundwater away from a soggy area or the foundation. A basement French drain is installed inside, around the floor perimeter, and HomeGuide notes it costs more because the concrete floor must be broken out; it usually drains to a sump pump.
Does it need a sump pump?
Interior systems and drains with no downhill outlet need a pump. HomeGuide puts a combined sump pump and French drain at $50 to $100 per foot. If you already have a pump, check its condition: sump pump repair cost.
Try cheaper fixes first
- Clean and extend gutters and downspouts so roof water lands well away from the house.
- Regrade soil to slope away from the foundation.
- Fix leaking hose bibs or irrigation near the foundation.
These often solve surface water problems for a fraction of a French drain's cost.
Before digging
Call 811 so buried utilities are marked. Ask where the drain will discharge; directing water onto a neighbor's property or a sidewalk can break local rules.
When water has already gotten in
Wet basements and crawl spaces can mean drying and repairs too. HomeGuide lists wet crawl space repair at $1,500 to $5,000. See water damage restoration cost and mold remediation cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a French drain cost per foot?
HomeGuide lists $10 to $35 per foot for shallow exterior drains, $30 to $90 for deep perimeter drains and $40 to $85 for interior basement drains.
How much does a basement French drain cost?
HomeGuide puts an interior basement system at $4,000 to $17,000 installed.
Is a French drain worth it?
For persistent groundwater problems, often yes. For roof runoff, fixing gutters and grading may be enough.
Do French drains need a sump pump?
Interior systems and drains without a downhill outlet usually do. HomeGuide prices adding a sump pump at $600 to $2,500.
Related cost guides
- Sump pump repair cost
- Water damage restoration cost
- Mold remediation cost
- Outdoor faucet replacement cost
Sources
National figures from published 2026 cost guides, retrieved 10 Oct 2026. Local prices, especially in high-cost metros, can be higher. Always get written quotes.